The UK Government has just announced almost £20 million to buy and demolish a shopping centre in Dumbarton.

West Dunbartonshire Council will receive £19.9m to buy and demolish the Artizan Centre as part of an award of £172m to councils across the UK from the Levelling Up Fund.

The plans for the Artizan form part of the council’s Levelling Up Fund application, with consideration being given to how the pedestrianised shopping precinct can be used to provide recreational space, parking and other community resources while helping existing businesses move into vacant premises on the nearby High Street.

The news broke during West Dunbartonshire Council's full council meeting and politicians and bosses welcomed the announcement.

Chief executive Joyce White said: "This will make a huge difference to our local authority area. I look forward to seeing the benefits in West Dunbartonshire."

And council leader Jonathan McColl said: "It's absolutely fantastic news. It will make a huge difference to our ability to regenerate the area."